How to Break Loose a Stuck Plumbing Fixture

Plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and showerheads, can become stuck due to an accumulation of mineral deposits and other debris. This may require removing the fixture to replace or repair it. The longer the fixture has been installed, the more likely it is to be stuck and cause a problem. If removing a stuck fixture, break it free using a step-by-step procedure that requires a moderate amount of time and effort.

Things You'll Need

• Penetrating catalyst
• Putty knife
• 2 pairs of vice-grips
• Rubber mallet
• Calcium, lime and rust-removing product

Instructions

1. Spray around the edges of the fixture with a penetrating catalyst. A penetrating catalyst is a petroleum-based spray that can help loosen stuck fixtures and fasteners. Soak the fixture with the catalyst and allow it 10 minutes to start to dissolve the debris.

2. Slide a putty knife under the edges, if the fixture is a sink faucet. Move the knife around the entire perimeter of the faucet, sliding it as far under the fixture as you can. This will help break the faucet base free from the sink top. Twist the knife slightly to aid in lifting the faucet.

3. Grab the fixture with vice grip pliers and lock the vice grips, if the showerhead or other fixture is threaded in place. Latch onto the pipe attached to the showerhead, with a second set of locked vice grips and hold it steady. Turn the fixture counterclockwise to loosen it enough to remove it by hand. Apply more penetrating catalyst as you work the fixture free.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes lightly tapping with a rubber mallet may cause enough force to break the fixture free to allow its removal. When removing a showerhead, sometimes it requires working it back and forth inching it forward a little at a time, to break the mineral deposit hold on the threads. Another trick is to apply a calcium, lime and rust removing product and allow it to sit for a few moments as it eats away at the mineral deposits.